Bali, the island of the gods has more than 10,000 temples. These are often filled with flowers and rituals. Several Bali temples have become some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Each temple is unique, that’s why I suggest you to discover some of them together.
When you visit temples, remember to wear proper with a Sarong and a Sash. The sarong is a piece of cloth to wear around the waist, like a skirt. They are usually provided at the entrance of temples (in exchange for an donation) but you can also buy yours on different markets and beaches. This will make you a nice souvenir from Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is far from being one of my favorite temples but it remains unavoidable. Equality with Ulun Danu, this one is very often on the Bali brochures.
It’s one of the most famous temples for its sunset. You can admire it in two ways: During low tide, you can access it on foot or during high tide by taking a small boat.
What I appreciate most of this site is certainly all the shops representing a market as big as that of Ubud. This is where I come to buy my wooden sculptures.
Uluwatu Temple
Direction my favorite side of the island. The Bukit peninsula with, among others Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Balangan & Bingin.
‘Pura Luhur Uluwatu’ as the locals call it is one of the temples benefiting the most beautiful sunsets. So I advise you to go around 5.pm to relax thanks to the incredible view that this Bali temple offers.
This Bali temple is sits on a clifftop, about 70 metres above the crashing waves. You should know that this temple can’t be visited. Also, it’s very important to pay attention to your sunglasses and avoid hats. Because it’s one of the temples where monkeys are most present.
Goa Gajah – Not a Bali Temple
Located near Ubud, Goa Gajah is rather an archaeological complex than a Bali temple for me. This place reflects the perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture. It’s called “the cave of the elephant” which is actually the meaning of Goa Gajah. BUT you won’t find any pachyderms here.
Goa gajah is best known by tourists for its famous cave whose entrance is guarded by a demon’s head carved into the rock. According to locals, this intimidating character called “Boma” would be there, not to frighten the faithful and visitors, but to deter malicious spirits from entering the site.
Pura Subak Beji
Another of my favorite temples, located in the north. Just a little above Ulun Danu Temple. The first reason is that during our visit, we didn’t see ANY tourists! So this temple has kept its charm of yesteryear.
This place actually has two temples. A smaller one at the entrance and a bigger one at the back. Pura Subak Beji is dedicated to Dewi Sri, goddess of rice and fertility.
And especially locally known for its Barong architecture, each surface of the temple is engraved and was painted, giving a wonderful aspect!
Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is a national cultural heritage site. Its name means ‘holy water spring’ and is actually the name of a water source. This spring flows into various purification baths, pools and fish ponds.
Probably one of the most beautiful spiritual visits to Bali so we can feel the importance of the place seeing the many Balinese coming to pray and purify themselves.
On the other hand, it’s very important to go there early in the morning if you also wish to do the ritual in its sacred waters.
Ulun Danu Beratan – My Favorite Bali Temple
Let’s start with my favorite temple, Ulun Danu is certainly the most visited bali temple. This is the one found most often on the postcards of Bali. So it’s one of the symbol of the island of gods. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of water, “Ulun Danu” meaning “the beginning of the lake“. This place actually contains several temples dedicated to specific gods and goddesses.
But it’s not just temples. You can also enjoy a large flowering lakeside gardens, short boat trips as well as a host of other water sport activities.
Of course, other temples are just as beautiful (Pura Lempuyang for example, the first temple I visited in Bali 4 years ago). Not to mention one of my favorites places that is rather a Buddhist monastery: Brahma Vihara Arama
It’s up to you to see which Bali Temple attract you most spiritually or photographically. In any case, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place to relax and enjoy Bali.
Love,
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